Workplace Wellbeing: how to dress to express your role at work and build a personal brand

You don’t need Miranda Priestly’s budget to look good at work. It’s more about finding the right personal style than following the latest trends

Miranda Priestly in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ makes a strong impression with her designer outfits, but it’s best to choose clothing that’s comfortable and reflects your personality.

Samantha Kelly believes in the power of a red suit. In her 30s, hungover and returning from a weekend of partying in London, she spotted what she assumed was a businesswoman boarding the same early-morning flight to Dublin.

“I felt and looked crap and there she was in a stylish red suit, heels and lipstick,” says the now 55-year-old executive branding specialist from Wicklow. “In that moment, I realised I wanted to have my life together like she seemed to have. She inspired me, and 17 years of sobriety later, I now have a successful business helping people get noticed online. And I often wear a red suit — I think it shows people I mean business. I suit up and show up.”